Halloween is intended to be spooky—but really, the only thing frightening your pet should be the sight of you wearing a silly costume! 

For many dogs and cats, Halloween can be a very stressful night. Strangers, knocking at the door, confusing costumes, strange noises, tempting candy, and decorations that look a whole lot  like chew toys, can create both anxiety and safety hazards.

With some time and preparation, you can take some of the fright out of the night for your pets.

Keep the Candy Away From Curious Paws

Your pet may think that bowl of Halloween candy was put out just for them, but it definitely isn't something they should indulge in.

Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats, and sugar-free candies or other products containing xylitol can also be dangerous. Keep the candy in an area your pets cannot reach, and remind children that the sweets are for trick-or-treaters—not the dog or cat.

Decorations: Fun for You, but Tempting for Pets

Halloween decorations look especially interesting to curious cats and dogs. Fake cobwebs, strings, ribbons, beads, sequins and other loose objects can become swallowing hazards.

View the area from your pet's perspective before you decorate. If it looks like something they might grab, chew, or chase, put it somewhere safely out of reach.

Be Careful using Candles

A wagging tail or curious paw can turn a harmless candle into a fire hazard in seconds. You may want to consider flameless candles around the pets.

And don't forget electrical cords! Keep them secured and out of reach of pets who might decide that your Halloween decorations make an excellent new chew toy.

Costumes Should Be Fun—Not Forced

Some pets really enjoy dressing up. Others equate wearing a costume as a form of cruel and unusual punishment.

Both reactions are okay!

If your pet likes wearing a costume, make sure it doesn't restrict their movement, breathing, hearing, or vision. Check for loose pieces, buttons, strings, or other parts they could chew off and swallow.

And if your pet is clearly uncomfortable, maybe opt for a nice Halloween Bandana instead. 

Ding-Dong! Ding-Dong! Ding-Dong!

For some pets, Halloween is basically an entire evening of hundreds of strangers repeatedly invading their territory.

The constant doorbell ringing, strange voices, and parade of unfamiliar people can be overwhelming—especially for nervous pets. You may want to consider setting your pet up in a quiet room away from the front door before the trick-or-treating begins.

Tuck them away in a bedroom with their favorite bed, fresh water, familiar toys, and something fun to keep them busy. Maybe even some calming chews or treats! If dogs are extra upset, it may be wise to confine them to a crate for the evening.

Keep Pets Safely Inside

Even pets who love going outside can become frightened by the unusual sights and sounds of Halloween. Keep dogs and cats safely indoors, and be extra watchful every time you open the door.

It's also a good time to make sure collars, ID tags, and microchip information are up to date—just in case your pet ever does manage to make an sudden escape. PVPE has a great ID tag maker right at the front counter where you can personalize a tag for your pet!

Halloween Stress Can Be Like Fireworks Stress

Does your pet struggle when the fireworks start? Halloween may bring some of the same challenges. Unfamiliar noises, commotion, strangers, and a disrupted routine can all contribute to anxiety.

For more ideas on helping your pet through stressful events, check out our previous article about keeping pets safe and comfortable during fireworks.

A Quick Halloween Safety Checklist

☐ Put candy safely away
☐ Secure decorations and electrical cords
☐ Replace open flames with safer alternatives
☐ Set up a quiet, pet-safe space
☐ Stock up on enrichment toys, treats, or calming aids
☐ Check collars, ID tags, and microchip information
☐ Keep pets safely indoors

Ready for a Safe Halloween?

A little preparation now can make for a much calmer Halloween for everyone—including the pets!

Stop by the store to stock up on enrichment toys, treats, and other supplies to help keep your pet happy, occupied, and safe while the trick-or-treaters take over the neighborhood.